Metal detecting can be a rewarding hobby that yields wonderful memories and hopefully some treasured souvenirs every time you go for a dig. But if you’re just starting out, it is highly unwise to start yourself off with the most expensive equipment there is to offer.
There are varying types of metal detectors that are tailored to specific kinds of hunting. This equipment also varies in skill level and is designed with that and the type of hunting you’re doing in mind. This means it is imperative to shop within your level of skill and what kind of hunting adventure you’re looking for.
But what if affordability is one of your main concerns? Thankfully, we’ve got you covered. We’ve done our research and have supplied you with a comprehensive guide to starting out your new hobby without going over budget.
What to Consider
Every journey starts with some important questions. When embarking on your new metal detecting hobby, you should consider the following:
- Where do you wish to hunt?
- What are you hunting for?
You should have a general idea of where you’re wanting to hunt and what you’re wanting to hunt for, before you even buy your equipment. Not having answers to these two questions can actually cost you a lot of time and money in the long run. Take your time and suss out your exact needs before laying down your investment.
Cheaper metal detectors do tend to come without ground balance functionality. This means if you are hunting in mineral rich areas you may find you’ll get a lot more false buzzes than actual treasure finds.
Cheaper detectors are useful in finding objects such as coins or jewelry that are lost on a surface level or within 10” in the ground. However, it will not help you find the treasure that is hidden deeper than that.
Despite these little shortcomings you can still find a relatively affordable metal detector that will suit your needs without being disappointing.
What can you expect to find?
It is a common misconception that cheaper detectors won’t be able to find things like gold or other treasures. While they may be less sensitive than their expensive counterparts, this doesn’t mean you won’t be able to find something spectacular with your affordable device.
Cheaper metal detectors are excellent for finding items such as jewelry, relics, coins, or brass material. Because most of these detectors lack a ground balance adjustment feature you are less likely to find things like gold, but it is not impossible. It may just take a little extra patience.
Some detectors can run you over 6, 7 grand and I wouldn’t even look at those until I’ve established myself as a detecting jedi. But if you’re just starting out and just want a good detector that will help get your hobby off the ground there are some wonderful and affordable detectors on the market. Here are just a few that we recommend.
Bounty Hunter Fast Tracker:
This detector is highly convenient and is partially waterproof, so it can be used both over sand and within the water. It comes with a standard 7” coil, which offers enough frequency for the user to have an exciting hunting experience. Since the detector is lightweight, you can carry on searching for longer than if you were lugging around a heavier device.
It comes with a 2-tone audio system that lets you differentiate between the items you find so you don’t waste time on something that isn’t worth it. You can also set the sensitivity manually and try to look for treasure hidden deep underground.
Pros:
- It is lightweight.
- It has a 2-tone audio system for easier identification.
- It works well under harsh weather conditions.
Cons:
- It is partially waterproof, which means that water contact with the screen might be harmful to the detector.
- It does not have a ground balance adjustment feature.
Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV:
The Bounty Hunter TK4 is a simple tracker that offers great ground depth and target sensitivity to its users. If you’re looking for something that is lighter on the pocket and gets you going right away, this is the best option for you.
This detector has an automatic ground balance adjustment system, which is quite uncommon for detectors within the given price range. It also has a tone adjustment feature, which lets you differentiate between different objects that come up.
Pros:
- It is lighter in weight.
- It offers an automatic ground balance adjustment feature.
- It offers excellent depth and sensitivity.
Cons:
- It is not 100% waterproof.
- It does not have a lot of functionalities.
Minelab Go Find 20:
The Minelab Go Find 20 is an easy to carry, easy to understand metal detecting device. It is the lightest metal detector available in the market and works well even with children.(Check out our top Kid Recommendations)
It comes with different volume levels and a screen to provide visual alerts to the user, as well as an 8” coil, which can be used both on land and in water.
You can switch between different pre-set modes such as coin, ring, foil, or nail, so you can spend your time searching for exactly what you want to find.
Pros:
- It offers automatic ground balance adjustment.
- It has a screen that provides visual alerts to the user.
- It is the lightest detector available in the market.
Cons:
- It does not pinpoint the exact depth at which the treasure may be present.
- You cannot use it for diving.
Garrett Ace 250:
The Garrett Ace 250 is in high demand as it boasts numerous comprehensive features for its users. It comes with a standard waterproof coil, which is easily replaceable, so you can change it to a bigger one if you wish.
While the device may not be as affordable as some others, it gives you great value in return for your investment. It is considered a smart device that starts at the push of a button for your convenience and ease of use. However, you can also change the settings as per your requirements.
It also offers different hunting modes and sensitivity levels that you can easily swap between or adjust as per your needs. Not to mention, it comes equipped with a pinpoint feature that helps you locate your target with ease.
Pros:
- It is a smart device that is easy to understand and use.
- It offers a pinpoint feature to help locate the treasure.
- It is lightweight.
- The coil is waterproof.
Cons:
- It is expensive in comparison to other detectors.
- You cannot use it for diving.
Garrett Ace 300:
Garrett Ace 300 : While the Garrett series is a bit expensive in comparison to others, it has some fantastic features that users can take advantage of. The Ace 300 offers an electronic advancement in pinpointing your target, which means that you will be a lot closer to finding treasure than you were using the previous model.
Like the previous model, it has different modes and sensitivity that you can swap and adjust with ease. However, it also offers target identification, which gives the user an idea of the item that the detector is receiving the signal from.
It also comes with a standard interchangeable coil, which is waterproof but not for diving. It can easily differentiate between useful items and trash, which helps in saving a lot of time and effort for the user.
Pros:
- It offers electronic pinpointing, which makes it easier for the user to locate the target.
- It differentiates between iron and useful items.
- It offers target identification so that the user can know what possible item they are to discover when they dig.
Cons:
- It has a heftier price tag.
- You cannot use it for diving.
Overall Impressions
If you step into the market searching for a cheaper metal detector, you can find a lot of options to choose from. However, unless you have an understanding of what exactly you’re looking for and what you want to accomplish it can be harder to find the right detector for you. Hopefully, with this helpful guide, you’ve been able to find one within your price range that fits generally what you’re wanting out of a detector.
Start your metal detector quest slow and build upon it instead of investing in something high price right away. Happy hunting!
